Royal Museum Project FAQs

Discover more about the Royal Museum Project with our frequently asked questions:

Are you still open?

• YES! More than half of the National Museum of Scotland is open during this project, so you can discover our collections, enjoy our varied programme of events and visit popular galleries like Connect throughout the transformation work.

Can I still see some of my favourite Royal Museum objects?

• We've picked a selection of over 300 objects in display in our Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories exhibition while the Royal Museum building is revamped. Some of the objects have never been displayed before! Enjoy a sneak preview of some of the treats in store when the Royal Museum building reopens in 2011.

What is the project?

• The Royal Museum Project is a £46 million plan to transform the Victorian Royal Museum building, in the heart of Edinburgh.
• It will create a world-class, 21st century visitor experience for Scotland, and a showcase for international visitors.

It's a great building, why are you changing it?

• We are improving the facilities inside the building. This means better exhibition spaces, improved access facilities and increased opportunities to support learning for all ages.
• The most noticeable change to the outside of the building will be new glass entrances at street level - much more welcoming. And inside, the main hall will be maintained in all its glory!

What will the new building offer?

• Increased number of objects on display.
• 16 new exhibitions and learning zones, focusing on World Cultures and the Natural World.
• A larger gallery for international touring special exhibitions.
• Three times the current facilities for schools and adult learners.
• Much better access to all floors and galleries within the Museum, with glass lifts and escalators to the upper galleries.
• More public space, including a better shop, new cafes and a whole new floor at street level.

What’s happened to all the exhibits that were in the Museum?

• Now that the project is under way, over two million items have been carefully catalogued, packed and moved into our purpose-built storage facility at the National Museums Collection Centre. Over five miles of bubble-wrap was used to ensure that all our objects, from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals, were kept safe.
• You can see pictures of the animals on the move in our photo gallery.

Will there be a charge to get into the new Museum?

No, the new Museum will be free for everyone.

How much is the Project costing?

• We have been awarded £34 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government - some of the biggest grants ever made to Scottish culture.
• We are now seeking £12 million from charitable trusts, individuals and the corporate sector.

We are making good progress, but we still have a long way to go. Find out how you can support this project or register your interest to keep in touch with our fundraising developments.

The Royal Museum Project is supported with generous funding from: